Forever: The phone call | Part 2 | Complete

Chapter 7

Author's note
New chapter is here! The only mantra for chapters from now on is
'Expect the Unexpected'
You may feel the story is going to places you never thought of, but I assure you it will come back to the same place, on the same windowpane and in the same room from where it started.

*****

My cab turned left and we entered the street of my house. It was pretty dark by now and inspite of the moonless night, the sky appeared more purple than ever. There was absolutely nobody on the street except the scintillating lamp-posts, the dusty compound walls of houses and grey road. As we approached my house, a pair of red tail lights were seen. I realised it was a jet black car standing at the entrance of my house.

I paid the driver and got my bags from the cab. As I read the number plate, I knew the car belonged to dad. He rarely brought it home, it was usually parked at his office ‘cause that's where he practically lived!

I rang the bell and dad opened the door. He was wearing a matte maroon suit, white shirt and black tie. He looked as young as ever, very powerful and smart. As soon as he saw me, he smiled and hugged me tight. That was a long warm hug and I found myself wanting to stay in his embrace forever. He really was my dad; messed up, angry, expecting me to move lift whole of Everest while I was still trying to lift a box full of books. He was all I loved and hated at the same time, however I couldn't bear a single tear falling down his eyes, could I? My eyes were watery, my heart was hurting. I could feel my breath turning deeper as I controlled my emotions.

The fight we had after I choose Sanskrit over science is still fresh in my heart like it happened yesterday. And the taste of fresh aloo paratha that he made for me on the first day of college is yet alive on my tongue. The tiny note that sat by my plate said-

“This doesn't mean I'm not angry anymore, it just means that Mr. Kulkarni loves his hard headed daughter more than he loves her career. Finish everything and all the best for your first day!”

Since that day, we haven't spoken about the argument and it is better this way. He has made a truce with this situation and I'm determined to make him happy one day, just the method I follow will be different.

He broke the hug and asked me,“How is my princess doing?”
“ I'm fine dad, everything is going great. How about you? Anything special going on?”
“ Yes, I've sealed this really important deal at work and the partner company had thrown a huge party in celebration. Neelam and I thought it would be great if you could join us, will you?”

I have got an opportunity to make my dad happy after a long time. My man is getting old, that handsome face has got dark circles and that charming smile is framed by wrinkles. I've given him enough trouble all my life and if it means so much to him, I must go.

“ I am coming.” three words, but they could put a big smile on his face. Sentences with three words really make great differences, for instance-
I Love You,
I miss you,
I trust you,
food is ready!

“Paras, is she home yet?” I heard mom. I peeked from behind my dad and saw her. Wearing a black gown with golden shimmer, she looked gorgeously amazing. Her hair were in a side bun just above her nape, coupled with some red roses accentuating her fair complexion. Dark red lipstick and red clutch, she was almost ready for the party.

“My baby girl is here!!” Mom was excited as ever, always bubbly and instinctive. She practically ran towards me and gave me a hug. Quickly breaking it, she snatched the bags from my hand and took a look at the clothes.

“Where's the gown? I told you, a gown! All I can see are tops and pants.” Now that I look at mom, I know where I got my stupidity from.

“Mom, there are more bags here and one of them has the dress.” I gave her the dress and she inspected it as if to search for a hidden bomb or something.